What are the 100 most cited fungal genera?

The global diversity of fungi has been estimated between 2 to 11 million species, of which only about 155 000 have been named. Most fungi are invisible to the unaided eye, but they represent a major component of biodiversity on our planet, and play essential ecological roles, supporting life as we know it. Although approximately 20 000 fungal genera are presently recognised, the ecology of most remains undetermined. Despite all this diversity, the mycological community actively researches some fungal genera more commonly than others. This poses an interesting question: why have some fungal genera impacted mycology and related fields more than others? To address this issue, we conducted a bibliometric analysis to identify the top 100 most cited fungal genera. A thorough database search of the Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed was performed to establish which genera are most cited. The most cited 10 genera are Saccharomyces, Candida, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium, Trichoderma, Botrytis, Pichia, Cryptococcus and Alternaria. Case studies are presented for the 100 most cited genera with general background, notes on their ecology and economic significance and important research advances. This paper provides a historic overview of scientific research of these genera and the prospect for further research. Citation: Bhunjun CS, Chen YJ, Phukhamsakda C, Boekhout T, Groenewald JZ, McKenzie EHC, Francisco EC, Frisvad JC, Groenewald M, Hurdeal VG, Luangsa-ard J, Perrone G, Visagie CM, Bai FY, Blaszkowski J, Braun U, de Souza FA, de Queiroz MB, Dutta AK, Gonkhom D, Goto BT, Guarnaccia V, Hagen F, Houbraken J, Lachance MA, Li JJ, Luo KY, Magurno F, Mongkolsamrit S, Robert V, Roy N, Tibpromma S, Wanasinghe DN, Wang DQ, Wei DP, Zhao CL, Aiphuk W, Ajayi-Oyetunde O, Arantes TD, Araujo JC, Begerow D, Bakhshi M, Barbosa RN, Behrens FH, Bensch K, Bezerra JDP, Bilanski P, Bradley CA, Bubner B, Burgess TI, Buyck B, Cadez N, Cai L, Calaça FJS, Campbell LJ, Chaverri P, Chen YY, Chethana KWT, Coetzee B, Costa MM, Chen Q, Custódio FA, Dai YC, Damm U, de Azevedo Santiago ALCM, De Miccolis Angelini RM, Dijksterhuis J, Dissanayake AJ, Doilom M, Dong W, Alvarez-Duarte E, Fischer M, Gajanayake AJ, Gené J, Gomdola D, Gomes AAM, Hausner G, He MQ, Hou L, Iturrieta-González I, Jami F, Jankowiak R, Jayawardena RS, Kandemir H, Kiss L, Kobmoo N, Kowalski T, Landi L, Lin CG, Liu JK, Liu XB, Loizides M, Luangharn T, Maharachchikumbura SSN, Makhathini Mkhwanazi GJ, Manawasinghe IS, Marin-Felix Y, McTaggart AR, Moreau PA, Morozova OV, Mostert L, Osiewacz HD, Pem D, Phookamsak R, Pollastro S, Pordel A, Poyntner C, Phillips AJL, Phonemany M, Promputtha I, Rathnayaka AR, Rodrigues AM, Romanazzi G, Rothmann L, Salgado-Salazar C, Sandoval-Denis M, Saupe SJ, Scholler M, Scott P, Shivas RG, Silar P, Souza-Motta CM, Silva-Filho AGS, Spies CFJ, Stchigel AM, Sterflinger K, Summerbell RC, Svetasheva TY, Takamatsu S, Theelen B, Theodoro RC, Thines M, Thongklang N, Torres R, Turchetti B, van den Brule T, Wang XW, Wartchow F, Welti S, Wijesinghe SN, Wu F, Xu R, Yang ZL, Yilmaz N, Yurkov A, Zhao L, Zhao RL, Zhou N, Hyde KD, Crous PW (2024). What are the 100 most cited fungal genera? Studies in Mycology 108: 1-411. doi: 10.3114/sim.2024.108.01.

[Correlation between BRAFV600E mutation and aggressive biological behavior of papillary thyroid carcinoma].

The current study analyzed the mutation rate of BRAFV600E in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients and the correlation between BRAFV600E mutation and aggressive biological behavior of papillary thyroid carcinoma. A total of 160 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent surgical treatment in the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University from October 2020 to November 2021 were retrospectively included. All patients underwent BRAFV600E gene detection. There were 37 males and 123 females, with a mean age of (46.5±11.1) years. The mutation rate of BRAFV600E was 86.3% (138/160). There was no significant correlation between the mutation of BRAFV600E and aggressive factors such as age (P=0.917), single focal/multifocal tumor (P=0.673), tumor size (P=0.360), tumor invasion (P=0.150) and regional lymph node metastasis (P=0.406). Therefore, for papillary thyroid cancer, mutations in a single gene like BRAFV600E fail to determine more active diagnosis and treatment.

Downregulated FGFR3 Expression Inhibits In Vitro Osteogenic Differentiation of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Mice with TBXT Gene Mutation.

We studied the effect of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) inhibitor BGJ-398 on the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM MSC) into osteoblasts in wild type (wt) mice and in animals with mutation in TBXT gene (mt) and possible differences in the pluripotency of these cells. Cytology tests showed that the cultured BM MSC could differentiate into osteoblasts and adipocytes. The effect of different BGJ-398 concentrations on the expression of FGFR3, RUNX2, SMAD1, SMAD4, SMAD5, SMAD6, SMAD7, and SMAD8 were studied by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The expression of RUNX2 protein was evaluated by Western blotting. BM MSC of mt and wt mice did not differ in pluripotency and expressed the same membrane marker antigens. BGJ-398 inhibitor reduced the expression of FGFR3 and RUNX2. In BM MSC from mt and wt mice have similar gene expression (and its changing) in FGFR3, RUNX2, SMAD1, SMAD4, SMAD5, SMAD6, SMAD7, and SMAD8 genes. Thus, our experiments confirmed the effect of decreased expression of FGFR3 on osteogenic differentiation of BM MSC from wt and mt mice. However, BM MSC from mt and wt mice did not differ in pluripotency and are an adequate model for laboratory research.

[A case of brucellosis complicated with capillary leak syndrome and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome].

Brucellosis can lead to pathological changes of multiple systems. Capillary leak syndrome (CLS) is a clinical syndrome caused by different reasons, mainly characterized by hypotension, hypoproteinemia and systemic edema. The condition is critical and the clinical manifestations are complex, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) may occur in severe cases. CLS caused by brucellosis is extremely rare. The diagnosis and treatment of a patient with brucellosis complicated with CLS and MODS was analyzed in this paper, in order to improve the knowledge of clinicians about brucellosis and its complications.

[Exploring the treatment of sepsis-associated acute lung injury with Liangge Powder via ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT pathways: based on network pharmacology and whole animal experimentation].

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Liangge Powder against sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) . Methods: From April to December 2021, the key components of Liangge Powder and its targets against sepsis-induced ALI were analyzed by network pharmacology, and to enrich for relevant signaling pathways. A total of 90 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to sham-operated group, sepsis-induced ALI model group (model group), Liangge Powder low, medium and high dose group, ten rats in the sham-operated group and 20 rats in each of the remaining four groups. Sepsis-induced ALI model was established by cecal ligation and puncture. Sham-operated group: gavage with 2 ml saline and no surgical treatment. Model group: surgery was performed and 2 ml saline was gavaged. Liangge Powder low, medium and high dose groups: surgery and gavage of Liangge Powder 3.9, 7.8 and 15.6 g/kg, respectively. To measure the wet/dry mass ratio of rats lung tissue and evaluate the permeability of alveolar capillary barrier. Lung tissue were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histomorphological analysis. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) -6 and IL-1ß in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relative protein expression levels of p-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), p-protein kinase B (AKT), and p-ertracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) were detected via Western blot analysis. Results: Network pharmacology analysis indicated that 177 active compounds of Liangge Powder were selected. A total of 88 potential targets of Liangge Powder on sepsis-induced ALI were identified. 354 GO terms of Liangge Powder on sepsis-induced ALI and 108 pathways were identified using GO and KEGG analysis. PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was recognized to play an important role for Liangge Powder against sepsis-induced ALI. Compared with the sham-operated group, the lung tissue wet/dry weight ratio of rats in the model group (6.35±0.95) was increased (P<0.001). HE staining showed the destruction of normal structure of lung tissue. The levels of IL-6 [ (392.36±66.83) pg/ml], IL-1ß [ (137.11±26.83) pg/ml] and TNF-α [ (238.34±59.36) pg/ml] were increased in the BALF (P<0.001, =0.001, <0.001), and the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-ERK1/2 proteins (1.04±0.15, 0.51±0.04, 2.31±0.41) were increased in lung tissue (P=0.002, 0.003, 0.005). The lung histopathological changes were reduced in each dose group of Liangge Powder compared with the model group. Compared with the model group, the wet/dry weight ratio of lung tissue (4.29±1.26) was reduced in the Liangge Powder medium dose group (P=0.019). TNF-α level [ (147.85±39.05) pg/ml] was reduced (P=0.022), and the relative protein expression levels of p-PI3K (0.37±0.18) and p-ERK1/2 (1.36±0.07) were reduced (P=0.008, 0.017). The wet/dry weight ratio of lung tissue (4.16±0.66) was reduced in the high-dose group (P=0.003). Levels of IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α[ (187.98±53.28) pg/ml, (92.45±25.39) pg/ml, (129.77±55.94) pg/ml] were reduced (P=0.001, 0.027, 0.018), and relative protein expression levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-ERK1/2 (0.65±0.05, 0.31±0.08, 1.30±0.12) were reduced (P=0.013, 0.018, 0.015) . Conclusion: Liangge Powder has therapeutic effects in rats with sepsis-induced ALI, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT pathway activation in lung tissue.

[Role and mechanism of IL-6/STAT3/Th17 signaling pathway in the intervention of forsythia in acute lung injury of septic rats].

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of interleukin-6 (IL-6) /signal transducers and activators of transcriptional 3 (STAT3) /helper T cell 17 (Th17) signaling pathway in lung injury of rats with sepsis intervened by forsythia, with a view to provide experimental basis for the role and mechanism of forsythia in the treatment of sepsis. Methods: In July 2021, 30 healthy Wistar male rats were selected and randomly divided into sham operation group, model group and treatment group, with 10 rats in each group. The rat model of sepsis was established by cecal ligation and puncture. 2 h after recovery, the rats were given traditional Chinese medicine forsythia orally, twice a day at an interval of 12 h. The wet/dry mass ratio (W/D) of lung tissue was detected 24 h after surgery. The morphological changes of lung tissue were detected by HE staining. Flow cytometry was used to detect Th17 population in peripheral blood. The expression levels of IL-6 and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA expression levels of IL-17A and IL-6 in lung tissues were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The expression levels of STAT3 and IL-17A in lung tissue were determined by Western blotting. Results: Compared with model group, the W/D of lung tissue in treatment group was decreased, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). HE staining of lung tissue showed that compared with the model group, the degree of lung lesion and injury was reduced in the treatment group. Compared with sham operation group, the proportion of Th17 cells in CD4 lymphocytes in peripheral blood of rats in model group was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the proportion of Th17 cells in CD4 lymphocytes in peripheral blood of rats in treatment group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with sham operation group, peripheral blood serum IL-6 and IL-17 of rats in model group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with model group, IL-6 and IL-17 in peripheral blood serum of rats in treatment group were decreased (P<0.05). Compared with sham operation group, the expressions of IL-17A and IL-6 mRNA in lung tissue of model group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the expressions of IL-17A and IL-6 mRNA in lung tissue of rats in treatment group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with sham operation group, the protein expressions of STAT3 and IL-17A in lung tissue in model group were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with model group, the pritein expressions of STAT3 and IL-17A in lung tissue in treatment group were significantly decreased (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Forsythia plays a role in alleviating lung injury by down-regulating the expressions of the signaling pathway IL-6/STAT3/Th17, which providing a new target for the treatment of sepsis induced lung injury.

[T lymphocyte subsets combined with inflammatory indicators for auxiliary diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of sepsis].

Objective: To explore the application value of T lymphocyte subsets combined with procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and white blood cell count (WBC) in the auxiliary diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of sepsis. Methods: In a retrospective study, seventy-two patients with sepsis diagnosed and treated in Tianjin First Central Hospital from June 2018 to April 2021 were selected as the research objects, and included in the sepsis group were 46 males and 26 females, aged 68 (57.3, 80.3) years. In addition, 111 patients with local infection admitted to hospital during the same period were included in the local infection group, including 62 males and 49 females, aged 68 (51, 77) years. Sepsis patients were divided into survival group (43 cases) and death group (29 cases) according to the 28-day outcome. CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+ ratio were detected by flow cytometry within 24 h after admission, PCT was detected by ELISA, CRP was detected by immunoturbidimetry, blood routine examination, blood lactic acid (Lac) and oxygen partial pressure (PO2) were detected by instrumental method. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between each indicator and sepsis, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was drawn to evaluate the diagnostic value of each indicator for sepsis. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis and Kaplan Meier survival analysis were used to evaluate the prognostic value of each index for patients with sepsis. Results: Peripheral blood CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+ ratio and PLT in sepsis group were significantly lower than those in local infection group(Z=-8.184,P<0.001;Z=-7.210,P<0.001;Z=-5.936,P<0.001;Z=-2.700,P=0.007;Z=-6.381,P<0.001); PCT, CRP, NLR and Lac levels were significantly higher than those in local infection group(Z=-8.262,P<0.001;Z=-3.094,P=0.002;Z=-9.004,P<0.001;Z=-4.770,P<0.001). Multivariate Logistic regression model showed that PCT, NLR, CD3+, CD8+, CD4+/CD8+ were independent risk factors for sepsis. According to ROC curve analysis, AUC of sepsis patients diagnosed by each indicator were 0.862, 0.894, 0.858, 0.760 and 0.618, respectively. The cut-off values were 3.075 ng/ml, 10.715, 44.935×109/L, 27.463×109/L and 0.750, respectively. The NLR sensitivity was 80.6%, and the CD3+ specificity was 94.6%. The AUC of combined detection of PCT and NLR was 0.947, sensitivity was 87.5% and specificity was 91.9%. The combined detection AUC of PCT, NLR, CD3+, CD4+/CD8+ was 0.958, the sensitivity and specificity were 90.3% and 91.0% respectively(P<0.001). PCT and Lac in death group were significantly higher than those in survival group(Z=-2.302,P=0.021;Z=-3.095,P=0.002);Peripheral blood CD4+/CD8+ levels were significantly lower than those in survival group(Z=-3.691,P<0.001),Multivariate Logistic regression model showed that CD4+/CD8+ ratio was an independent risk factor for 28 d mortality in patients with sepsis (P<0.001). The ROC curve showed that the AUC was 0.758, and the Youden index reached the maximum when the cut-off value was 1.27, the sensitivity and specificity were 79.3% and 60.5%, respectively. Compared with patients with CD4+/CD8+ ≥1.27, 28-day mortality was significantly increased in patients with CD4+/CD8+<1.27 (P=0.032). Conclusion: The combined detection of PCT, NLR, CD3+ and CD4+/CD8+ can improve the auxiliary diagnostic efficiency of sepsis, and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ in peripheral blood may have certain predictive value for the prognosis of sepsis.

Wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis in Chinese people: a clinical research on 33 cases with antigenic analysis of wheat proteins.

BACKGROUND: Wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA) is a severe allergic condition in which wheat ingestion together followed by physical exercise induces anaphylaxis. For patients with WDEIA, omega-5 gliadin is considered to be one of the major allergens. AIM: To analyse the clinical features and allergen spectrum of WDEIA and to investigate the relationship between WDEIA and serum levels of platelet-activating factor (PAF), interleukin (IL)-9 and IL-33. METHODS: Medical histories and conditions of WDEIA cases were collected and summarized, with allergen tests of wheat proteins measured at the same visit. Of the 33 patients enrolled, 13 also had serum levels of PAF, IL-9 and IL-33 measured. The healthy control (HC) group consisted of 13 healthy individuals, who also underwent both the wheat-protein allergen tests and the inflammatory-mediator tests. RESULTS: All patients experienced severe allergic reaction during exercise after wheat ingestion. Manifestations of WDEIA included facial oedema, generalized urticaria and respiratory symptoms. Unconsciousness was also observed in 21 cases. In the patient group, 57.6% were confirmed as hypersensitive to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), while 54.5% were allergic to omega-5 gliadin. PAF concentration was significantly higher in patients with WDEIA compared with HCs, whereas there was no significant difference in IL-9 or IL-33 between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: WDEIA is a rare type of anaphylaxis. GAPDH and omega-5 gliadin may be the most common allergy-causing wheat proteins for Chinese people. PAF may be associated with the onset and development of WDEIA.

[The value of muscle biopsy in rhabdomyolysis].

Objective: To analyze the diagnostic value of skeletal muscle biopsy in patients with rhabdomyolysis. Methods: Clinical and pathological data of 26 patients with rhabdomyolysis from January 2002 to December 2018 undergoing muscle biopsy were collected. Results: Eighteen males and 8 females were finally recruited with median age of 6-73 (37.3±19.6) years. The average time from onset to biopsy was 44 days (median course was 30 days). All patients had acute manifestations with muscle pain and/or weakness. Serum creatine kinase was between 1 648-92 660 U/L. Muscle biopsies showed nonspecific changes in 12 cases (a few with type 2 muscle fiber atrophy, slight deposition of lipid droplets), 10 cases with necrotizing myopathy (muscle fiber necrosis and regeneration). Toxic neurogenic damages were seen in 2 cases (type 1 and type 2 angular atrophic muscle fibers with group change), lipid storage disease in 1 case (lipid droplets deposit significantly) and idiopathic inflammatory myopathy in 1 case (muscle fiber necrosis and regeneration, with lymphocyte infiltration). The etiology of non-specific pathological changes included short-term strenuous exercise in 6 patients, poisoning in two, chronic kidney disease in one, viral infection in one, hypothyroidism in one and unknown reason in one. As to patients with necrotizing myopathy, seven were poisoning or drug-related, one with hyperthyroidism, two with unknown reason. Conclusions: Among the numerous causes of rhabdomyolysis, exercise usually links nonspecific skeletal muscle changes and poisoning or drug-related disorders are commonly associated with necrotic myopathy. Rhabdomyolysis induced by primary myopathy is rare.

[A case analysis of brucella infection in a non-epidemic area].

The incidence of human brucellosis is on the rise worldwide. The disease can affect various systems. The clinical manifestations are complex and non-specific, and the diagnosis is difficult. Especially the clinicians in the non-epidemic areas have sporadic cases on the pest free areas. Lack of experience in diagnosis and treatment leads to misdiagnosis and mistreatment, which affects prognosis. This article reports on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests and treatment of a patient with unexplained fever and brucellosis in our department in June 2019. Raise the attention of clinicians in non-epidemic areas to the disease and enhance people's awareness of protection in non-epidemic areas.

[The importance of occupational history in clinical thinking from the diagnosis and treatment of a case of Tsutsugamushi disease].

A farm worker in Baodi District of Tianjin was diagnosed with Tsutsugamushi disease due to fever and intermittent cough for more than 3 months.The patient's diagnosis and treatment process was complicated, and the diagnosis was delayed in the early stage of the disease because the clinician neglected the occupational history and lacked knowledge about the prevention and control of tsutsugamushi disease. As an important part of the epidemiological history, occupational history is crucial for the diagnosis of occupational related diseases. Clinical thinking runs through the whole process of clinical diagnosis and disease treatment, and correct clinical thinking can effectively reduce the occurrence of misdiagnosis.Clinicians should ask and record career history in detail to improve the quality of health care.

Expression of autophagy in different stages of neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury in rats.

STUDY DESIGN: Experimental study. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the expression of autophagy in different stages of the neurogenic bladder after spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. SETTING: Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China. METHODS: A total of 36 Wistar rats were divided into the SCI and control groups. In total, six animals were killed and sampled from each group at 1, 4 and 14 days after surgery of T10-T11 level. BBB scale, residual urine volume and urinary bladder function score were estimated at each time point. The expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and P62 was detected using western blot analysis, immunofluorescence staining or real-time PCR (RT-PCR). RESULTS: The locomotor functions of the hindlimbs and the bladder function of the SCI group rats were lost after surgery, but gradually recovered from 1 day. Western blot showed that the LC3-II/actin was higher in the SCI than in the control group. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that LC3 and P62 were expressed in bladder smooth muscle cell. RT-PCR showed a remarkably increased LC3 mRNA expression at 1, 4 and 14 days in the SCI than in the control group. The P62 mRNA level of the SCI bladder tissues did not differ from that of the control group at 1 day but decreased at 4 and 14 days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Autophagy is activated during the recovery of the bladder after SCI and sustained. Autophagy may play an important role in bladder neurogenesis and may represent one of the mechanisms of bladder self-repair.

[Effect of Liangge powder on expression of inflammatory mediators and hepatic and renal function in rats with sepsis].

Objective: To investigate the effect of Liangge powder on the expression of inflammatory mediators and hepatic and renal function in rats with sepsis via a preliminary analysis. Methods: A total of 195 Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group (15 rats) , model group (90 rats) , and treatment group (90 rats) using a random number table, and according to the time point after modeling, the model group and the treatment group were further divided into 24, 48, and 72 hour subgroups, with 30 rats in each subgroup. Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was performed to establish a rat model of sepsis, and solid-phase sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10) , interleukin-1 (IL-1) , interleukin-4 (IL-4) , and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 24, 48, and 72 hours after CLP. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) , aspartate aminotransferase (AST) , blood urea nitrogen (BUN) , and creatinine (Cr) . Results: Compared with the sham-operation group, the model group had significant increases in the serum levels of IL-1, IL-4, IL-10, LPS, BUN, Cr, AST, and ALT at 24, 48, and 72 hours after CLP (P<0.05) . Compared with the model group, the treatment group had a significant reduction in the serum level of IL-1 at 24, 48, and 72 hours after CLP, a significant increase in the serum level of IL-4 at 24 and 48 hours after CLP, and a significant increase in the serum level of IL-10 and a significant reduction in the serum level of LPS at 24 and 72 hours after CLP (P<0.05) . Compared with the model group, the treatment group had a significant reduction in ALT at 24 hours after CLP, significant reductions in BUN and Cr at 48 hours after CLP, and a significant reduction in AST at 72 hours after CLP (P<0.05) . Conclusion: In the early stage of sepsis, imbalance between pro-inflammation and anti-inflammation and immunosuppression may cause hepatic and renal impairment in rats with sepsis. The traditional Chinese medicine Liangge powder can regulate inflammatory response, restore the balance between pro-inflammation and anti-inflammation, and improve hepatic and renal function in rats with sepsis.

Double-layer-gate architecture for few-hole GaAs quantum dots.

We report the fabrication of single and double hole quantum dots using a double-layer-gate design on an undoped accumulation mode [Formula: see text]/GaAs heterostructure. Electrical transport measurements of a single quantum dot show varying addition energies and clear excited states. In addition, the two-level-gate architecture can also be configured into a double quantum dot with tunable inter-dot coupling.

Biodegradation of kraft lignin by a newly isolated anaerobic bacterial strain, Acetoanaerobium sp. WJDL-Y2.

UNLABELLED: An anaerobic kraft lignin (KL)-degrading bacterial strain was isolated from sludge of a pulp and paper mill. It was characterized as Acetoanaerobium sp. WJDL-Y2 by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The maximum KL degradation capability of strain Y2 was determined to be 24·9% on a COD basis under an optimal condition with temperature of 31·5°C, initial pH of 6·8 and KL to nitrogen (as NH4 Cl) ratio of 6·5 by mass. Growth kinetic studies showed that the KL tolerance of strain Y2 was relatively high (Ki  = 8120·45 mg l(-1) ). Analysing KL degradation products by GC-MS revealed the formation of low-molecular-weight aromatic compounds (LMWACs), including benzene-propanoic acid, syringic acid and ferulic acid. This indicates that strain Y2 can oxidize lignin structure's p-hydroxyphenyl (H) units, guaiacyl (G) units and syringyl (S). In addition, the inoculated sample also contained low-molecular acid compounds, such as hexanoic acid, adipic acid and 2-hydroxybutyric acid, further validating strain Y2's ability to degrade KL. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Kraft lignin containing effluents discharged from pulp and paper industries causes serious environmental pollution in developing countries. Due to the immense environmental adaptability and biochemical versatility, bacterial ligninolytic potential deserve to be studied for application in effluent treatment of pulp and paper industry. In this study, an anaerobic lignin-degrading bacterium, Acetoanaerobium sp. WJDL-Y2 (accession no. KF176997),was isolated from the sludge of a pulp and paper mill. Strain Y2 can play an important role in treating pulp and paper wastewater, as well as breaking down materials for biofuel and chemical production.

Effect of the house dust mite allergen Der p 1 on tryptase release from human mast cells.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the house dust mite allergen Der p 1 on the secretion of tryptase from the human mast cell line HMC-1. Flow cytometry was used to determine the expression levels of protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) on the surface of HMC-1 cells. HMC-1 cells were treated with Der p 1, SLIGRL-NH2 (PAR2 agonist), LRGILS-NH2 (control peptide for PAR2), or Der p 1 + FSLLRY (PAR2 antagonist), and the tryptase levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The biological functions of PAR2 were determined using the calcium green indicator, and intracellular calcium fluorescence intensity in the different groups (Der p 1, SLIGRL-NH2, LRGILS- NH2, Der p 1 + FSLLRY, tryptase, tryptase + FSLLRY, or cell culture medium) was detected by laser scanning confocal microscopy. The mast cells expressed PAR2 receptor on their surfaces. Der p 1 alone induced a significant release of intracellular calcium and tryptase in HMC-1 cells compared with the SLIGRL- NH2 treatment group and the control group. The combination of Der p 1 and FSLLRY partly inhibited intracellular calcium and tryptase release in HMC-1 cells compared with the Der p 1 treatment group. Moreover, tryptase induced a significant release of intracellular calcium in the HMC-1 cells. Der p 1 induced HMC-1 cell degranulation and the release of tryptase by activating the PAR2 receptor on the cell surfaces. Tryptase activated the PAR2 receptor and induced intracellular calcium release from the HMC-1 cells in a positive feedback loop.

Role of the IL-11/STAT3 signaling pathway in human chronic atrophic gastritis and gastric cancer.

The expression of interleukin-11 (IL-11) and its products STAT3 and phospho-STAT3 (p-STAT3) in patients with chronic superficial gastritis (CSG), chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), and gastric cancer (GC) may provide insight into the diagnostic role of the IL-11/STAT3 signaling pathway in GC. Gastric mucosa specimens and serum samples were collected from 90 patients with CSG, CAG, and GC (30/group). The expression of IL-11, STAT3, and p-STAT3 was detected via immunohistochemistry and western blot. Additionally, serum levels of IL-11 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For IL-11, 60% stained positive in CAG and 83.3% stained positive in GC, which were both higher than the value observed for CSG (33.3%). Moreover, the percent positive for IL-11 in GC was higher than that in CAG (P < 0.05). The percent positive for STAT3 in CAG (80%) and GC (83.3%) was higher than that in CSG (53.3%) (P < 0.05). Compared with CSG (36.7%), the percent positive for p-STAT3 in CAG (63.3%) and GC (86.7%) was also significantly higher. STAT3 expression was similar in GC and CAG, which was significantly higher than that in CSG. Expectedly, p-STAT3 expression gradually increased from CSG to CAG to GC. Furthermore, p-STAT3 levels were higher in GC tissues than in CAG (P < 0.01). Intriguingly, serum IL-11 levels gradually increased from CSG to CAG to GC, which coincided with disease severity. Together, these results suggest that the IL-11/STAT3 signaling pathway plays a critical role in human CAG, and may provide new targets to prevent and treat GC.

Microsatellite markers reveal genetic divergence among wild and cultured populations of Chinese sucker Myxocyprinus asiaticus.

Studies of genetic diversity and genetic population structure are critical for the conservation and management of endangered species. The Chinese sucker Myxocyprinus asiaticus is a vulnerable monotypic species in China, which is at a risk of decline owing to fluctuations in effective population size and other demographic and environmental factors. We screened 11 microsatellite loci in 214 individuals to assess genetic differentiation in both wild and cultured populations. The single extant wild population had a higher number of alleles (13) than the cultured populations (average 7.3). High levels of genetic diversity, expressed as observed and expected heterozygosity (HO = 0.771, HE = 0.748, respectively), were found in both wild and cultured populations. We also report significant differentiation among wild and cultured populations (global FST = 0.023, P < 0.001). Both STRUCTURE analysis and neighbor-joining tree revealed three moderately divergent primary genetic clusters: the wild Yangtze population and the Sichuan population were each identified as an individual cluster, with the remaining populations clustered together. Twenty-two samples collected from the Yangtze River were assigned to the cultured population, demonstrating the efficacy of artificial propagation to avoid drastic reduction in the population size of M. asiaticus. These genetic data support the endangered status of the M. asiaticus and have implications for conservation management planning.

[Effect of non-invasive NAVA on the patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].

Objective: To observe the effect of non-invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV-NAVA) on patient-ventilator synchrony and effect of gas exchange in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease compared with NIV-pressure support ventilation (PSV). Methods: This was a prospective study of 40 patients with AECOPD given 30-min trials of NIV with NIV-PSV group (n=20) and NAVA group (n=20) in random order. Arterial blood gas analysis (ABGs), main asynchrony events and asynchrony index were quantified. Results: There were no significant difference between the two groups on effect of gas exchange (P>0.05). Main asynchrony events during NIV-NAVA including autotriggering, ineffective efforts and double triggering were less frequent than NIV-PSV (P<0.05). The trigger delay in the NIV-NAVA group was markedly shorter than the NIV-PSV (62.20±8.91 vs 112.65±15.10)ms (P<0.001). The inspiratory/expiratory off-cycle delay was significantly shorter in the NIV-PSV group than that in the NIV-NAVA group (73.00±18.27 vs 187.95±39.24)ms (P<0.001). The occurrence of severe asynchrony (AI>10%) was also less under NAVA (P<0.05). Conclusions: Both NIV-NAVA and NIV-PSV can improve gas exchange. As compared with NIV-PSV, NIV-NAVA can reduce main asynchrony events, improve patient-ventilator synchrony in patients with AECOPD.